Abstracted reality

Definition

Abstracted reality refers to the transformation of recognizable elements from the real world into an altered form that emphasizes emotional response rather than literal representation. This concept is crucial in the context of artistic movements, particularly as artists began to use abstraction to explore deeper psychological themes, express personal emotions, and challenge viewers' perceptions of reality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Abstracted reality allows artists to distill elements of their surroundings, focusing on mood and feeling instead of accurate depictions, which was a shift from traditional realism.
2. Surrealist techniques greatly influenced abstract expressionists, as both groups sought to express the inner workings of the mind, though abstract expressionism leaned more towards pure abstraction.
3. Artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko employed abstracted reality in their works to evoke strong emotional reactions from viewers through color and form.
4. The concept of abstracted reality challenged viewers to engage with artwork on an emotional level rather than relying solely on visual recognition or narrative understanding.
5. As abstract expressionism evolved, it became a way for artists to reflect on their personal experiences and societal issues, making abstracted reality a means of communication beyond words.

Review Questions

• How did the use of abstracted reality in art change the way viewers interact with visual representations?
  • The use of abstracted reality shifted the focus from recognizing familiar subjects to engaging with the emotional essence of the artwork. Viewers were encouraged to interpret pieces based on their feelings and reactions rather than merely identifying objects or narratives within the work. This change fostered a more personal connection between the audience and the artwork, inviting deeper reflection on individual perceptions and experiences.
• Discuss how surrealist techniques contributed to the development of abstracted reality in abstract expressionism.
  • Surrealist techniques such as automatic drawing and dream imagery significantly influenced abstract expressionism by introducing methods that emphasized spontaneous creation and exploration of subconscious thoughts. Artists within both movements sought to convey complex emotional landscapes, but while surrealism often retained recognizable forms, abstract expressionism embraced complete abstraction. This evolution allowed artists like Pollock to create works that prioritized raw emotion over clear representation, leading to a new form of artistic expression.
• Evaluate the significance of abstracted reality in relation to broader cultural movements during its emergence in art.
  • The significance of abstracted reality during its emergence lies in its reflection of a society grappling with rapid changes and existential questions post-World War II. It resonated with cultural shifts towards individualism and psychological introspection, mirroring contemporary concerns about identity and experience. By moving away from representational art towards emotional abstraction, artists were able to comment on the complexities of human existence, thus influencing not only art but also literature, philosophy, and psychology during this transformative period.

Related terms

Automatic Drawing: A technique used by surrealists that involves drawing without conscious thought, allowing the subconscious to express itself on the page.

Psychological Abstraction: An approach in art that seeks to represent internal emotional states through abstract forms and colors, often influenced by the artist's personal experiences.

Dream Imagery: Visual elements derived from dreams or unconscious thoughts, often used by surrealists to evoke emotions and create a sense of otherworldliness in their work.